Director – Academic Partnerships

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Virginia.

📋 Description

• Develop and implement a strategic growth plan targeting colleges, universities, community colleges, and higher education systems.

• Create a strong pipeline of partnerships from initial prospecting to contract execution and implementation.

• Build relationships with academic leaders, deans, department chairs, and workforce development offices.

• Navigate the complexities of university procurement, governance, budgeting, and multi-stakeholder decision-making processes.

• Identify opportunities to integrate HRCI certifications and learning solutions into academic programs and workforce readiness initiatives.

• Design innovative partnership models, including co-branded learning, stackable credentials, and platform integrations.

• Develop and implement partnership strategies that align with annual business objectives, market research, and competitive analysis.

• Manage the complete partner revenue lifecycle from idea generation and pipeline development to deal closure and onboarding.

• Drive multi-million-dollar total contract value through strategic targeting and channel optimization.

• Monitor performance metrics and ROI across various partnership types.

• Generate new business through proactive outreach, networking, referrals, and strategic account development.

• Manage lengthy sales cycles through disciplined follow-up and stakeholder engagement.

• Maintain pipeline forecasts and track activities in CRM systems.

• Negotiate contract terms, pricing structures, and service level agreements with institutional partners.

• Establish customized engagement frameworks for colleges, universities, and other strategic partners.

• Oversee partner health using KPIs and refine workflows for scalability.

• Act as the primary relationship owner for strategic higher education accounts.

• Identify opportunities for account expansion, renewal, and deeper institutional adoption.

• Collaborate with product and academic affairs teams to tailor offerings for institutional partners.

⛳️ Requirements

• 8+ years of progressive experience in business development, strategic sales, account management, or partnerships.

• Extensive experience in selling to colleges and universities.

• Proven track record in developing and closing complex, multi-stakeholder opportunities in higher education.

• Demonstrated ability to generate new business while maintaining and expanding strategic relationships.

• Experience in personally delivering millions in new total contract value through long-cycle enterprise deals and fast-cycle pilots.

• Strong instincts for pipeline pacing and partner fit.

• Experience leading CRM enhancements and contributing to product development.

• 3+ years of experience in people and project management.

• Preferably experienced in selling certifications, educational technology, or workforce development solutions.

• HR industry knowledge or certification is highly desirable.

• Understanding of higher education decision-making and procurement processes.

• Ability to influence diverse stakeholders without direct authority.

• Bachelor’s degree is required.

• A Master’s degree is highly desirable.

🏝️ Benefits

• Opportunities for professional development

• A fun, team-oriented culture

• Health insurance

• Generous time off

• 401(k) matching

• Parental leave

• A flexible working environment

• Potential for an incentive bonus plan